Kerman
is as old as history. It is believed, that it has been founded as early
as the 3rd century by Ardeshir I, founder of the Sassanian
dynasty. Historical documents refer to Kerman as "Karmania,"
"Kermania" and "Zhermanya," which means bravery and
combat. Geographers have recorded Kerman's ancient name as "Go'asheer"
(Bardesheer).

In
Islamic time, Kerman was one of the important cultural centres of Iran. Today
the city (1991 pop.
311,643) is the capital of Kerman province, in east-central Iran. It is
noted for making and exporting carpets. Cotton textiles and goats-wool
shawls are also manufactured.

Kerman
has had very little peace in its history. From the 7th
century, it has been ruled by Arabs, Buyids, the Seljuks, Turkmens and
Mongols in turn until the Qajar dynasty, when it was a victim of the
barbaric Aqa Mohammad Khan. Throughout its history, Kerman has been
chosen as the capital by different kings, but it was Ganj Ali Khan (1005
to 1034 A.D) during the Safavid era, who brought about the city's
prosperity. Kerman was prospering under the Safavid dynasty (16th
century) and suffering under
the Afghans (17th century). In 1794 its greatest disaster
occurred: Aga Muhammad Khan, shah of Persia, ravaged the city by selling
20,000 of its inhabitants into slavery and by blinding another 20,000.
It was restored to security during the last century.

Marco
Polo visited the city in the late 13th century and described
the city.

Reminders
of historic Kerman
include medieval mosques, the beautiful faience found among the extensive
ruins outside the city walls, and 16th-century mosaics with
Chinese motives. Nearby is the shrine of Shah Vali Namatullah, a 15th-century
Sufi holy man. In last year there have been high endeavours for
renovation of historical monuments of this province. Kermans
twin sister is Yazd.